Sunday, April 14, 2013

Game 12: Nats vs. Braves

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER
Today the Nats will try and avoid being swept for the first time this season.
The Nationals have found themselves on the wrong end of two close games so far in their first series with the Braves. They hope to avoid the sweep on Sunday with Gio Gonzalez pitching, Gonzalez holds a 0.82 ERA through his first two games. The Nats will go up against lefty Paul Maholm who has yet to allow a run in 12 2/3 innings this season.

There are no surprises with the Nationals lineup, Kurt Suzuki is in at catcher. The team called up Jhonatan Solano this morning so look for him in the dugout.

Updates to come...

ATLANTA BRAVES at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM)
Weather: Sunny, 63 degrees, Wind 10 mph out to RF
NATIONALS (7-4)
CF Denard Span
RF Jayson Werth
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman



1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Kurt Suzuki
LHP Gio Gonzalez

BRAVES (10-1)
CF B.J. Upton
RF Jason Heyward
LF Justin Upton
C Evan Gattis
2B Dan Uggla
1B Chris Johnson
SS Andrelton Simmons
3B Ramiro Pena
LHP Paul Maholm

UMPIRES
HP Bill Welke
1B Brian O'Nora
2B Adrian Johnson
3B Fielden Culbreth (cc)

10:35 a.m. -- Here are at Nationals Park where we should be talking to the players soon. I will pass along anything I can find out about Wilson Ramos' hamstring injury.

11:54 a.m. -- The Nats officially placed Ramos on the 15-day disabled list this morning and called up Jhonatan Solano from Syracuse. Read about his call-up right here.

1:52 p.m. -- Not the start the Nats wanted this afternoon as the Braves put three on the board in the first inning. They began with a leadoff double by B.J. Upton on the first pitch of the game. Evan Gattis sent him home with a double off the wall and then Chris Johnson added two more RBI with a single up the middle. Gio at 28 pitches (17 strikes) already.

2:01 p.m. -- The Nats got a guy on with Jayson Werth walking for the first time this season, but fail to score after two ground outs. Harper reached first because of a fielder's choice to get Werth out at second. Zimmerman then grounded out to end the inning. Maholm threw 14 pitches with nine of them srikes.

2:08 p.m. -- Much better outing for Gio in the top of the second with a 1-2-3 frame. He struck out Maholm looking on a fastball down the middle then got B.J. Upton to ground out and Heyward to fly out. Heyward hit a ball to deep center that Span caught about five feet from the wall. Yesterday he did the same thing several times. Gio at 41 pitches (24 strikes).

2:17 p.m. -- The Nats got two men on after two quick outs in the bottom of the second. Espinosa took a fastball off his right hand to take first. He stayed in the game, but looked like he was in pain. Suzuki then singled to right field. A groundout by Gio was the third out to end the inning. Maholm at 30 pitches (20 strikes)

2:35 p.m. -- This is officially getting ugly. Justin Upton led the inning off with a home run to right field. The Braves then added three more on a Andrelton Simmons home run to left. Gonzalez has allowed 7 ER, his career high was 11 ER vs. the Twins in 2009. His high as a Nationals pitcher was last season vs. the Mets on July 19 with 6 ER. No one is up in the 'pen with Gio at 74 pitches.

2:41 p.m. -- Another inning with nothing going for the Nats at the plate. Not only are the Braves' bats hot right now, pitcher Paul Maholm has still yet to allow a run this season. After the bottom of the third he's at 15 2/3 innings this season without allowing a run. He's thrown 40 pitches so far.

2:47 p.m. -- Gio set down the top of the Braves' order in the fourth, needing just ten pitches. He's at 84 on the day and no one is up in the bullpen, Gio may be out there for another inning we'll see.

2:55 p.m. -- No one gets on for the Nats who have seen only 53 pitches from Maholm through four. One note for the fifth inning: Steve Lombardozzi is in to play second, replacing Espinosa. We'll see if it relates to the HBP Espinosa took off his right hand.

3:02 p.m. -- Gio let up a single to Chris Johnson who is now 3-for-3 on the day, but that's it in the top of the fifth. The Nats lefty is due up third in the bottom of the fifth and is likely done after throwing 98 pitches. Zach Duke is getting ready in the bullpen.

3:21 p.m. -- Two more on the board for Atlanta after an RBI double by Heyward and a sac fly by Gattis. Duke has not started this season off well with 7 ER through his first 4 2/3 innings.

3:28 p.m. -- Nats go down in order as Maholm extends his scoreless inning streak to 18 2/3. He has thrown 83 pitches today through six.

3:40 p.m. -- 1-2-3 for the Nats in the bottom of the seventh as Maholm continues to groove through the Washington order. That's seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball with 96 pitches thrown. Still 9-0 Braves.

4:05 p.m. -- The Nats finally see some action at the plate by loading the bases and forcing Maholm out of the game. Reliever Luis Avilan, however, stopped the bleeding and kept the Nats off the board. Maholm exits with a 20 2/3 scoreless inning streak to begin the season.

4:16 p.m. -- On to the bottom of the ninth with LaRoche due up to start. Still 9-0 Braves with Cory Gearrin in to pitch.

4:20 p.m. -- That's the ballgame folks, 9-0 Brave over Nats your final score.

161 comments:

Steady Eddie said...

Do any NIers know how the Nats Park Lost and Found works in practice? My 12 year old daughter left her glove under her seat at the stadium yesterday, and she needs it for softball practice tomorrow afternoon.

I know the A to Z index gives a phone number with voice mail, and an email to report lost items -- I've reported a loss on both -- and the phone recording says they'll get back to you within one business day, but they're only open during game hours.

Fortunately our seats were in Row C of our section so there should have been less chance of an uncharitable person seeing it and walking off with it on their way out of the game, though obviously you never know until you know.

Anyway, has anyone had experience of how quickly the Lost and Found responds to such inquiries, and how interested they seem in being helpful? Not being able to get a live person on the phone is not encouraging. I guess if I don't hear from them, I'll try our ST agent tomorrow morning.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Tiptoeing in -- looking around for Trolls. Looking under rocks -- all seems clear. hey, I'm alone here: Great!!

Two words: Go Nats!!!

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Personally, I can hardly wait for the Interleague perennial between the Nats and the O's. Those series should be absolute Barn Burners this year. I'm betting that this is the year that the Beltway Series gets real serious and maybe even a true rivalry emerges.

NatsFanSinceStart said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
NatsFanSinceStart said...

Steady: You might drive down their today -- right now -- and see to personally. You just might get the glove back before the game!

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Steady: I see where the Lost and Found is open only during game hours -- how inconvenient? but I would still go down there -- at game time -- and talk them into letting me in to check the Lost and found. If they wouldn't let me in, I'd buy the cheapest seat they have and go to the Lost and found personally to retrieve your daughter's glove. To me, it would be worth the trip, the parking and ticket to get my child's glove back. go for it.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Time to do some yard work -- see you mugs at game time

mick said...

I will post again, how is Danny Rosenbaum doing and is it possible he is called up?

realdealnats said...

Love Candide's remark about Shane.

I never like to lose, but these losses have removed the pink glow from the rosy sunglasses so many fans were seeing through after all the SI covers.

It is and always was going to be a dogfight. And it is on.

But Strass will settle into a groove that will strike terror into opposing teams. Jordan will win 20. Gio will win his fair share despite inefficient pitch counts. And Det will have his career year even though he is doing it without cookies.

The IF will tighten up--this is just not who they are--except for Ryan's arm--or head. But they'll be fine.

BP needs to settle in and let everyone pitch. Work out all the kinks now and make necessary adjustments. I'm probably the quietest Henry hoper, but might be time to cut him lose. See if he passes waivers. Bring up Romero. Start to get Lombo and Moore involved more than Tracy, imho. Especially Moore. The energy of youth is a great fuel injector.

We might not win the division. But we'll make the playoffs. And it's who's playing scariest good in late September, that makes it in, that you want to be rolling with. GYFNG.

Section 222 said...

Steady, IIRC, there's a lost and found or security office near the team store in the CF Plaza. If you head over today, they might have the stuff that was collected by the cleaning staff yesterday. Seems unlikely the glove is still there after the park has been swept, but maybe that's a possibility too.

So this is a great test for Gio -- he's our second stopper, and the team really needs him to come up big today. Somehow I think Harp will do something amazing too.

Candide said...

Eddie -

Last season, I left my cell phone in the beer holder in my seat and didn't realize if for about five minutes after I left.

I ran back to my seat and there was Daryl, our regular usher, standing there, waving to me, with my phone in his hand.

Yesterday, Cunegonde and I were slow to leave at the end of the game, and we saw Daryl going down the aisle between 218 and 219, looking down each row, obviously checking for anything people might have left behind.

I suppose that doesn't do you much good if you're not going back right after the game, but if I were going back the next day, I'd ask the usher. It seems the good ones take care of their customers.

And BTW, Cunegonde and I took care of Daryl nicely at our last game last season. Was great to see him again yesterday.

Candide said...

BTW, it was good to see Henry out there yesterday, doing his best impression of Chad Cordero - a K, a couple of walks to make you crazy, another K, and a fly out.

I could live with that twenty or thirty times a season. I have lots of bourbon and Maalox.

JaneB said...

May Gio have wipe-out stuff and may the Nats bats be hot! Let's take one from the Braves. GYFNG!

mick said...

thanks Natjack

NatsLady said...

Heading to the game, looks like a glorious day, but I'm still bringing a jacket. Stras, Espi, and the Nats are getting a lot of hate on sites like Hardball Talk for their comments. The headline say, they are NOT IMPRESSED with the Atlanta line-up. That's not actually what they said, though. They said, Atlanta's good, but we're better. What did you expect a pitcher and a struggling hitter to say, "Our line-up isn't going to cut it?" Of course they are going to be positive and support their guys. This is nonsense.

This is the first year we are feeling what Yankee fans always get. The envy, the slamming of players like Harper/Stras and even Clippard and Storen as "overrated." Harper doesn't play the game right, etc. etc. It's strange and somewhat discomfiting, especially remembering the progression from

(1) Late night talk show jokes
(2) Hoping for .500
(3) Starting to drink the Kool-Aid (last spring-summer).
(4) Other fans' (not just Filly fans) hating on the Nats and our stars.

NatsLady said...

Oh, and GO GIO!!! Go Nats!

The Real Feel Wood. Accept no substitutes. said...

"There are no surprises with the Nationals lineup"

Except for the recurring mistake of listing Harper in CF. We're 12 games in. Isn't it about time this was fixed?

peric said...

mick....no....you will not see Danny Rosenbaum. There is a reason he was not placed on the 40 man.

And Natsjack said the same thing about Zach Duke et al ... sigh ...

Rosenbaum had an excellent start to his season as the 5th starter in the Syracuse rotation and its **ONLY** left-handed one. The fact that he is the only left-handed starter is significant. This is how Stammen got his start. If Duke gets injured or falters badly it is possible that we might see Danny.

The other lefties in Syracuse such as Abad, Romero, Bramhall, and McCoy are more short relief. But, again, its about who performs the best. If Rosenbaum performs as he has in the past and again wins or is close to winning the Nat's system pitcher of the year?

Steady Eddie said...

Thanks everyone for the advice -- I did get through to the lost and found a few minutes ago and they said one hadn't been turned in.

Unfortunately, our other plans for the day don't let us take in today's game too. Sadly it does have some sentimental value beyond the replacement cost, as it was our late oldest daughter's glove. But it's a thing, and things can be replaced.

peric said...

That said I guess Chris Young might take his slot in the rotation ... then again perhaps they will go with 2 lefties in the rotation as they did last season.

I'm not sure I would pick Young over Rosenbaum but ...

Steady Eddie said...

Meanwhile, GYFNG! And hope Gio looks as serious on the mound as his bobble does -- and is as effective!

peric said...

82 mph fastball : Young.
92 mph fastball: Rosenbaum.

natsfan1a said...

Hope that someone will find and turn in the glove, Eddie.

Also, carrying forward: All good points on trolling and scrolling. Hope that today, the Nats will get rolling. Have fun in the game thread, those of you that go there. With any luck, the game should be far more interesting than the sock puppet theater.

peric said...

The biggest concern from an offensive perspective is that the team has no one approaching Matt Holliday's OPS to back up Bryce.

Again I am NOT a fan of the WAR stat its way too coarse grained by any definition. It tries to combine other stats in a way that neutralizes any real discerning analysis.

Matt Holiday's batV last season was 41.6. This would have been the best on the Nats and its been consistently pretty high for about 4 seasons. His positional or PosV was a miserable -7.5.

And no there's absolutely no reason to look outside when you've already got Tyler Moore who seems capable of being the same player in the outfield.

Candide said...

Regarding trolls:

I used to be a regular on Nats Journal until I got sick of the trolls there, with particular emphasis on He Who Must Not Be Named. Ended up coming over here, and the very first day, I saw that Mark had deleted someone's trollish comment. I was pleased.

So I stayed. And I'm damned if I'm going to let any trolls here chase me away. Troll and scroll.

But it sure would be nice if the blog software would incorporate an "ignore" button.

peric said...

Poopy McPoop is still there under other guises according to some on the NJ. The Post's many articles generate so many comments their whole system often seems ready to crash.

The NJ posts are nothing compared to the political commentary with Tea Party versus Progressive seeming like a major Naval battle with salvoes constantly being fired.

JaneB said...

Eddie, when you can get down there again, ask the usher if she or he found it. I'm betting that that may lead you to it. I sure hope so. I know that it really matters.

MicheleS said...

Go Gio! GYFNG!

peric said...

640 comments in the game thread and nary a one in the periphery posts ... and NJ has far more fans from other teams.

This is usually pretty specific to Nats fans.

peric said...

But it sure would be nice if the blog software would incorporate an "ignore" button.

Just for the record I'm sure that tends to hose their system up in many unbelievable ways ... suddenly any new post takes a lot of time to appear. And they system starts skipping new posts ...

Methinks it may fall a part soon and it may be why the Post is again trying to charge for access ... ~smiles~

peric said...

as it was our late oldest daughter's glove. But it's a thing, and things can be replaced.

That's very sad. I hope it has a name in it. If it does then I'm sure they will find it and keep it.

Section 222 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Section 222 said...

Just saw the replay of Zim's Friday night's miscue from several angles on Nats Extra, and looked at it closely frame by fram. Now I'm even more upset, not only at Zim but at Charlie and Dave and the other announcers and beat writers.

They all told us that the only play Zim had was at 2nd. But if you watch the replay closely, you will see that the batter is hardly out of the batter's box when Zim fields the ball. Seriously, he had so much time to throw across the diamond that it's ridiculous. You can see the runner halfway up the line when Zim's throw is nearly to second base. So it didn't even have to be that strong of a throw to get there in time. Yet Johny and Ray are falling all over themselves to make excuses.

29 out of 30 MLB third baseman can make that throw. But Zim has so little confidence in his arm, that he elected to make the very tough throw to 2nd, which wouldn't have beat the runner even if he had made an accurate throw. This is really scary.

NatsJim said...

Eddie, just a thought - if you post your section and seat info perhaps one of the Nats Insiders attending today could check with the ushers in your section? Just thinking it might be better to get to them sooner rather than later so their memory is fresh...

Steady Eddie said...

Well, re my daughters'glove, all's well that .. Etc.

Luckily, the dad of one of our 12-year old's best friends was going to the game today, saw my blog posting, asked the ushers and Guest Services near sec 131 - and a very helpful woman named Donna Brown said the cleaning crew had found it yesterday and she had turned it in to Lost and Found, where they're not have looked closely enough at the family name she had written on the label.

So all of us are thrilled to have the useable glove and family keepsake back!

NatsJim said...

222, I just watched the Nats Xtra replay several times frame-by-frame on the DVR and Zimm never looked at the batter - it's an instinct play and based upon the hop the ball had taken and the fact that he had to retreat on it before fielding it I'm sure his internal clock told him there was no play at first. Whether he could have gotten him or not we'll never know, but I think it was his experience telling him to go to 2nd, not a lack of confidence in his arm.

peric said...

29 out of 30 MLB third baseman can make that throw. But Zim has so little confidence in his arm, that he elected to make the very tough throw to 2nd, which wouldn't have beat the runner even if he had made an accurate throw. This is really scary.

The guy like to play through injury and while rehabbing ... he had this issue most of last year before the surgery? I'm not sure why everyone is so intent on complaining now. And I pointed that out ... and even then broached the idea of moving him to first base in an attempt to avoid these injuries which affect his offensive production!!!

Now, suddenly, my notion about Rendon moving to third and Zim to first is accepted? Sheesh!

You're just going to have to wait out his rehab 222 that's what we've had to do with Zim for the past 3 now going on 4 seasons. And that hasn't escaped the notice of management which is why Anthony Rendon will not spend a lot of time in the minors and why he will not be displacing Espinosa at second base.

NatsJim said...

Wow, that's great news Eddie, glad to hear it.

Candide said...

Steady Eddie, that merits a WOO-HOOOOOOO!

timeless46 said...

Steady Eddie, So glad to hear you got the glove back.

peric said...

At the end of LaRoche's contract both he and the month older Jayson Werth will be 36. They won't be much of a threat offensively at that point. One will likely be gone (unless he accepts a reserve role) and the other will get the role of 4th outfielder undoubtedly.

peric said...

I knew they would find the glove and keep it. Things like that are never lost there's always some sort of aura about them ... they always find their way home.

peric said...

Nice basket catch by Danny. Another guy who refuses to let serious injury keep him off the field.

peric said...

3 - 0 in the first. If the Braves sweep this series its not at all good for the Nats early or not ...

The tomahawk choppers having a field day ...

Section 222 said...

Zimm never looked at the batter - it's an instinct play and based upon the hop the ball had taken and the fact that he had to retreat on it before fielding it I'm sure his internal clock told him there was no play at first. Whether he could have gotten him or not we'll never know, but I think it was his experience telling him to go to 2nd, not a lack of confidence in his arm.

Why would you think it was experience rather than lack of confidence? I agree he never looked at the batter. Seems to me that it's more likely he didn't because he knew or thought there was no way he could or would make that throw. I truly doubt that Zim's "internal clock" or experience is so off that he would pass up throwing out a guy who was only a few steps out of the box if he thought he was physically capable of getting the ball across the diamond.

Rabbit34 said...

Top of the first. That's the game folks. Turn ou the lights, the party's over. We are being handed our lunch and there's nothing we can do about it. My .500 season is on it's way. I may not be a Peric, but I know reality.

#4 said...

The point is that Zim had to make that throw overhand to first, an arm angle in which he has ZERO confidence right now. That's why he went to 2nd. It was the only plausible side arm throw. He's healthy. It's in his head unfortunately.

Candide said...

Okay, good night all.

Grandstander said...

So happy I wasn't able to afford tickets to this game so I can turn off this monstrosity. Sorry to all the folks who thought they were going to see a baseball game today.

DJB said...

Tough to watch. Gio acting like a quitter. Time to focus on my fantasy league until October. Hopefully, there will be meaningful games in Sept. This team has no heart.

Secret wasian man said...

I was just in the grocery store. I saw a milk carton with a team photo of the NATS. "missing"

Steve J, Alexandria said...

I want apologies all around - for telling the truth!!! and furthermore, all you guys have quit already on this team, some for the season!!! Yet no one -- NO ONE -- gets attacked like you all attacked me!!!

Why did you all attack me the last two days, but give everyone else here a pass?

Apologies are owed.

I AM AN ABSOLUTE PROPHET. it's scary how much I know.

This is good. This is what the Nats need to get on the right track. They need to be underdogs.

EmDash said...

Tough game - guys clearly aren't in rhythm yet, and it's tough to watch. But it's still April, and Zim and LaRoche will get themselves going. And the Braves won't be this hot forever. Can't get too down on a team this early.

Secret wasian man said...

Ironic its Pups in the park day. Because the Nats are playing like dog p--p.

JaneB said...

Ok, those of you who are here to whine and poke sticks at those of us who have been here all along. Go find something else to do with your time. Let the rest of us talk the way we used to without monologues from carping naysayers. None of the regulars will post here now because you all have taken over the comment and make even FUN games not fun to comment on.

Secret wasian man said...

Next time im in 7 eleven i'll be happy to apologize Steve. GO NATS

JaneB said...

And YAY Eddie for getting the glove back! I know it means a ton to all of you.

Steve J, Alexandria said...

Ha Ha

Secret wasian man said...

The Braves will fall apart in August. By then the Nats will be rolling. You can bank on it. Then I will go back to 7 11 and Steve can apologize to me. Time for yard work. Have a nice week everybody.

Coolhandbane (formally Bob Saget) said...

Emdash: I just read the stats on my phone as I just got off work. I agree with everything you said.


Baseball is 162 games not 16 or 82 games.

Everyone: have faith in our team. After all they have been through since the team has moved to dc. I trust Davey and company to fix them.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Eddie: So good to hear the glove got home. Someone definitely guided that glove home, that is for sure. Good for you!!

Unknown said...

Ok Ryan needs to go to DL or first. ALR needs to swap with TMo. We need Rendon. We have the tools! We just need management to see reality and make tough decisions. These guys are not fixing themselves.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

I step away for 2 hours for yard work and this is what happens?

I think my idea of the Curse might not be so funny.

Teddy should never have been allowed to win that race --

The Curse of TR

Unknown said...

Werth seeing ball great. He could easily have 5-7 more hits.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Hey, Lombo's in!! I'm all for that!! Finally. Sit these injured guys down!!

NatsJim said...

I agree he never looked at the batter. Seems to me that it's more likely he didn't because he knew or thought there was no way he could or would make that throw. I truly doubt that Zim's "internal clock" or experience is so off that he would pass up throwing out a guy who was only a few steps out of the box if he thought he was physically capable of getting the ball across the diamond.

So you agree he never looked at the batter, but then suggest he "passed up" throwing out a guy who was only a few steps out of the box. The point I was making is that he didn't KNOW he was slow out of the box because he never looked. His years of experience playing 3rd base, the slow chop and the fact he had to retreat on the ball told him instinctually there was no play to be made at first, not because he didn't think he could make the throw. I agree with you that after watching the replay he may have actually had a play at first, but since he never looked then he couldn't have possibly known that - he got the ball out of the glove as quickly as possible and fired it to 2nd. And if he would have taken the time to look then he wouldn't have had a play anywhere, sometimes the players just have to rely on their experience and instincts. If you don't agree then that's fine, but that's how I saw it.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

I missed it -- Espi got hit by a pitch?

Secret wasian man said...

NFST Amen buddy. Plus he went to my High school. LOMBOOOOOOOOO

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Natsjim etal: don't really know why we're still doing this eternal post mortem on the Zim non-play on Friday but lets just boil it all down.

Zim knew he could not make the throw to first. so a throw to first was never an option. HIs only play (in his mind) was to second -- because that was the only base his arm could deliver the ball to -- he knew he had to throw it somewhere because HIS INSTINCTS CORRECTLY TOLD HIM HE COULD GET THE RUNNER AT FIRST --- so he had better get an out somewhere -- he didn't.

He's really a disaster over there. Why are we still talking about that play???

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Wasian?? I had no idea Lombo went to Maryland's Correctional School for Wayward Boys and girls!! (haha)

baseballswami said...

Just tuning in. Ouch. Gio bad or Braves are golden? Some of both? Just checking in to say I love baseball, love the Nats, it's early- issues will be resolved or not. I plan on watching the rest of this game on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in April. Lofty expectations can be a bear, right? If you can only enjoy your team when it's perfect , even in the first two weeks, maybe you need a new hobby. This is still a winnable game. If not, let some other guys play- Lombo obviously wants to play. See that great defensive play and lead off hit?

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Go Lombo -- don't let Espi ever regain that spot. Take it and don't give it back!!! If Espi sits the bench until October, that would be agood thing

Unknown said...

Agree nats fan since start. Also ALR has little power. When he does hit it's track. Even homers barely carry. I'm
Glad to see lombo in. Maybe injury is the only way to make progressive change.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Both Gio bad; Braves golden

Even Simmons took Gio deep -- like Eddie Brinkman homering off Koufax

Unknown said...

Lombo! Nice play!

Unknown said...

TMo in. Now we're talking

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Now that's about as far as Span can hit it

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Where are all the posters? What a bunch of Fair Weather Fans!! Seems that the very people who claim their staying away to avoid the Trolls -- (what Trolls??) -- are the ones that run away from here when this team loses.

So what are they? Fair Weather Fans. Mores the Pity

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Even the pitcher rips it --

baseballswami said...

Nats need some Wheaties. I have decided that I can't spend 3-4 hours a day angry and frustrated. Whatever happens, happens. I am either going to enjoy it or walk away. Yeah, like that would ever happen. Does it seem to you like the Braves have some kind of magical force field over them? Or the Nats are cursed? Whatever it is - it 's really odd.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Duke's got nothing -- never did -- never will.

Duke is keeping the Braves line moving.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

If Gattis hits the grand salami, does the D.C. crowd hit the exits?

NatsFanSinceStart said...

I guess its just me and you Swami

NatsFanSinceStart said...

They could have some fun with this. they should announce that Teddy R has passed away. Have a mock funeral, and bury him -- and literally put thebig head in there

get rid of the Curse -- have some fun with it

NatsFanSinceStart said...

I think I'm talking to myself -- am I the only poster left??

baseballswami said...

Guess so! I think a lot of the regulars are at the game. I just refuse to spend the entire game, every game , fussing and fuming. Life is too short for that. Hoping the guys hit the re-set button soon, though. Someone ticked off the baseball gods?

Steve J, Alexandria said...

Oh I'm here loser!!!!!! hahaha

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Yeah, Swam, I see the room is filling up with Steve -- I'll check back later, but I will enjoy the game it is baseball

baseballswami said...

NatsFan-- love your sense of humor. Keep me company here in the trenches!! I think they should just let everyone play, switch positions, etc. probably start a rally! Seriously, though. The Nats can not catch one break.

Rabbit34 said...

Well, slap my behind! Thank you sir, may I have another. SS thinks we have a better lineup?? Better go back to school baby. The Braves are taking us back to school! Man, they are for real!

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Not at all see that catch just now? unbelievable -- their pitcher is hitting; their punch and judy SS homers --

I hope the Nats can explode for 5 or more to go away with something.

I like the switching positions!! Put Harper at SS, and let bernadina catch --

and let Zim put the Teddy head on and run around during the 7th inning stretch.

Bring out the Dunk Tank and let Nats players take turns taking fan pitchers between innings!!!

baseballswami said...

For right now the Braves sure are for real. Guess they should just start getting fitted for World Series rings now and cancel the next 150 games.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Nats just have a lot to do -- and many things they can no longer ignore -- no longer give lip service to .

I'm glad to see Moore and Lombo playing. I really am.

baseballswami said...

Zim just made an outstanding play. Wonder how much ink it will get?

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Listen to Carp and FP telling what a 'perfect' throw Zim made;

Hello!!!!! He's throwing it submarine now boys?? He is throwing to the bags like Darren O'Day pitches: Submarine!! This is embarrassing --

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Cripes in heaven!! The thought just occurred to me: I might have a better arm than Zimmerman -- and I'm 30 years removed from high school ball, and 5 years removed from adult baseball. Oh, that's bad

baseballswami said...

You just never know how this experience might shape the Nats for the rest of the season. Every single weakness has been exposed, they have fought horrible luck and a hot team. And it's only been two weeks. This early adversity may end up being just what the doctor ordered for a young team. You learn a lot more from failure than from easy success.

peric said...

NatsFanSinceStart starting to seem very trollish to me ...

Well there you go all those out there who wanted to leave the pitcher in?
Still no offense to offset bad games by pitching and defense.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

And the Braves still have to add Freeman and McCann. they are good, that is for sure. they finished fire hot last year too!!

We just didn't get better in the offseason: the braves did. Span was a good idea on paper, but it wont work out on the field. Letting all our lefties go, was rather short sighted.

Look at this, even my wife wont watch the game!!

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Peric, Calling me a troll??? are you kidding, on drugs or what??

peric said...

As I stated ... with Span and Haren Rizzo fixed what wasn't broken. So far the only right move was signing Soriano but it might be too early to determine if he ends up better than Storen, Mattheus and HRod.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

There's only two people here -- for cripes sake.

Peric: Look to yourself -- your hypercritical -- anyone else who talks, I guess you 'regulars' just call trolls.

peric said...

Peric, Calling me a troll??? are you kidding, on drugs or what??

Its why you are posting to yourself for the most part ...

NatsFanSinceStart said...

You kill me Peric -- we agree on most things, I notice. Yet you call me 'trollish' which I consider offensive.

You must be very young.

NatsFanSinceStart said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
baseballswami said...

So- Maholm leading the early cy young voting?? Come on now - this is soooo not an accurate reflection of either team. Early season lop- sided craziness. Pendulums, ( pendula??) have a way of swinging both ways.

peric said...

you call me 'trollish' which I consider offensive.

They call me a troll because I often go against the opinions of Nats Head Scout NatsJack from Florida and the Ghost among others ... and often end up being right ...

This is a Nat's blog not the WaPo where every fan from every team posts their venom against the Nats because of the predictions.

Some here drink the Kool-Aid but for the most part many realize the realities of what the talent can and can't do. Rizzo did not build a team and an offense that can come back from 9 to nothing. Why belabor the obvious if you are so old and "wise" laughing.

If you are "from the beginnings" one would think you would have listened to enough games broadcast back-in-the day with the expansion team and Bob Short to know better.

peric said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
baseballswami said...

And I am hoping that we are getting all the ugliness out of the way for a while. Look at our roster. Yes, the Bsrves may stay ahead of us for a while, but if you know anything at all about baseball, you know that this is an aberration- close to bring laughable.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Go Suzuki!!

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Watch Moore go deep

baseballswami said...

Be nice if the current ugliness here got out of the way, too. It 's a game. Relax.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Maholm is a fantastic pitcher

NatsFanSinceStart said...

last inning for maholm

NatsFanSinceStart said...

yeah, deep to the infield

baseballswami said...

I feel sorry for Tyler. Having trouble getting going. Last year when he got called up he had been playing every day for a while. Tough day for him to try to break his drought.

Unknown said...

Swami:

Agree adversity is good and we will learn. But what will we learn and how will we adapt? That's the question. I agree with Peric, we have the talent we need on the squad or in our system.

peric said...

- this is soooo not an accurate reflection of either team.

NO, but the Braves did as they intended: sent a clear and present message to the Nats. You have to go through us.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

It would appear that it only takes a three game losing streak to clear this place out of so many 'true' fans.

pathetic

baseballswami said...

Am I just clueless? Has Maholm been good before? Of course, there are pitchers who have pitched no hitters and then nothing more ever again.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Freddie Gonzalez stock going up today
Davey Johnson stock going down today

EmDash said...

I think once Zimm and LaRoche get going they'll be able to put up big offensive numbers. They're all just not in a groove yet, and the Braves are confident and coming off some easy early series. Things will even up over the long season.

baseballswami said...

I do not know how they will respond. I will be watching with the rest of you. Bernie just got hosed royally.

peric said...

Again, they need to put Moore in left and put either Span or Werth on the bench if they want offense. Given the chemistry and synergy between Harper and Werth I tend to pick Span.

His performance is not in question its the lack of a true XBH threat behind Harper and before LaRoche. Zim isn't there yet and is still rehabbing and in any case Moore specs out as a potential 40+ homer guy in the future

baseballswami said...

EmDash-- how refreshing. Out of all the guessing being done, things evening out is probably what will really happen.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

Time to go deep Harp -- salvage something

NatsFanSinceStart said...

9-0 is the score of an official Forfeit. Nats would have done just as well to have stayed in bed and not shown up

NatsFanSinceStart said...

and here comes the Face of the Franchise

peric said...

I think once Zimm and LaRoche get going they'll be able to put up big offensive numbers.

LaRoche will be 34 in June. Consider that. As for Zim as per the last three seasons he just needs to finish rehabbing that shoulder and he will produce big numbers. But because his injuries and consequent recoveries his numbers have been way down. And as I recall folks were very frustrated with the hole in the #3 spot after he suffered that shoulder on a web gem. Again, in Zim's case its just a matter of time. Not unlimited time though ...

LaRoche, given his age, now has to be a question mark from here on out.

NatsFanSinceStart said...

I give the Nats crowd credit -- they're still there. MOre than we can say for the NatsInsider Forum

NatsFanSinceStart said...

1-3 Your'e Out

Unknown said...

Calm down you too! A little respect for opinions n posts that may go against the "norm" and it's all good. I'm sure you are all good peeps. Settle! :-)

Peric can u give me a line up and not take spam out? Just to compare. Our current outfield is tops in nearly every off and def category.

How bout lombo (better fielder n hitter than espi...Moore to first and wait Ryan out at third ? Or Rendon now, zim DL to get PT?

peric said...

MOre than we can say for the NatsInsider Forum

They're here. Sheesh! C'mon this guy broke your rules Mark!?

baseballswami said...

Get the game over. Hit re- set.There are issues and there are assets. Turn the page. Pick your favorite cliche to use and move on. I will offer this opinion today. When you sub in Lombo, you don't lose a step. Fantastic defense, smart hitter , good baseball IQ.

Unknown said...

EmDash n Swami.

Why do u think ALR and Zim will get better and all will even out? ALR who I like doesn't have much in his tank. He's so slight for a power type hitter. Ryan is clearly hurt and a huge liability.

Davey loves to "believe" and it almost always bites him in the arse

peric said...

can u give me a line up and not take spam out? Just to compare. Our current outfield is tops in nearly every off and def category.

How bout lombo (better fielder n hitter than espi...Moore to first and wait Ryan out at third ? Or Rendon now, zim DL to get PT?


Honestly? I like Lombo better than I do Span! He's a switch hitter and he is a very good gap hitter. The guy can produce some doubles and triples! So why Span? Because they needed a "true CF and lead-off hitter"? Every single time Rizzo tried to fill this order with his model it has NVER WORKED. Whether JMax, Bernadina, Morgan ... and now Span.

Why? Just like the bullpen with too many 1 inning to 1 batter way too many banjo bats! NO true power. Without Morse all that is really left IS MOORE! I see no purpose in the Morse trade if Moore isn't in the lineup every single day to see if he is a Matt Holiday type (as one poster seems to prefer .. good taste ...).

You have to wait Ryan out at third. Rendon isn't ready. If Danny doesn't shape up you might just see Zim moving to second ... and not Lombo. But Lombo can manage in the outfield as can Kobernus. But they still lack power after Harper. No one in the lineup to stress real major league pitching.

And so we will continue to see games like this.

mick said...

SI curse? Did ALR get old all of a sudden? Should Nats have kept Morse? All questions that will be flying around after this weekend. I doubt the Lerners ever imagined 3 straight sellouts and 3 losses at home in a row, as well as a team quitting in this game. I have never called them quitters before, but gang, they quit today and shame on them! Very disappointing!

How the Nats respond to this will determine whether they are a contender or the 2012 Twins.

EmDash said...

Personally, can't get too upset about this one, or the Cincinnati blow-out. They just got beat, and that happens sometimes. The two or three games where they beat themselves were more disappointing. But I just don't see getting overly reactive to an April series, even this one.

mick said...

I say twins because in 2012, most experts predicted Twins winning division and they ended up being the worst team in MLB

JaneB said...

In the good news on a hard day department, Henry did okay. That doesn't always happen.

peric said...

As for my lineup its still the same. Pretty close to the one that won 98 games last season.

1. Werth
2. Harper
3. Moore
4. LaRoche
5. Zim
6. Espinosa/Lombo interchangeable
7. Desmond
8. Suzuki.

It still has the left-right alternation while featuring a great deal more power along with good speed and good enough defense. Good enough to win 98 games last season.

EmDash said...

I'm not worried because me worrying doesn't change anything, and I try to be zen about things I can't control. But that's me. :)

peric said...

Trade Span and Clip for bullpen help.

NatsJim said...

Scott, ALR was built exactly the same last year when he hit 33HR and drove in 100, and has been built the same his entire career when he has averaged 25HR & 80+ RBI when not injured. Only in Peric's mind is he running on empty, there's absolutely no empirical evidence to support that. Sure, if he keeps saying it year after year, one year he'll be right, but given that we're only concerned about this year and next I think he'll be ok.

peric said...

Did ALR get old all of a sudden?

At age 34 this season the only reason Rizzo took him back was because Davey wanted him badly. Period.

And here's FP saying what I said: the Braves sent a message early or not.

baseballswami said...

I think it just makes sense that ALR and Zim will be better than they are now. History does not show that hitters suddenly can 't hit -- it's gradual. I don 't see Adam wiith last year 's numbers, but you don't go from a silver slugger to nothing in one year. Notoriously slow starter. Zim is a bit of a streaky hitter. Common sense tells you they won't be like this all season. Who would have predicted HRod as one of our better relievers? Truly an upside down April.

peric said...

Only in Peric's mind is he running on empty, there's absolutely no empirical evidence to support that.

Lots of empirical evidence for similar players at age 34 NatsJim. Lots and lots.

peric said...

The different between Zim and ALR? Zim is still under the age of 30.

Unknown said...

Wow

...peric is still annoying

mick said...

peric

I'm afraid the Braves sent a strong message and they did so with 2 key players out.

peric said...

And Timothy Folk is a dorky, Lawrence Welk of a broken record.

phil dunton said...

The Nats didn't disappoint. They almost always puke all over themselves in front of big crowds and they up-chucked for three straight games.

peric said...

I'm afraid the Braves sent a strong message and they did so with 2 key players out.

Yes. And the Nats have one key player out in Ramos and perhaps 2 that should be in Zim and LaRoche ...

mick said...

In the words of the late Rodney King... "can't we all just get along"

lol

peric said...

Henry walked 2 in one inning JaneB ... in a 9 to zip blow out.

I wouldn't say that was good ... but that's just me.

NatsJim said...

Lots of empirical evidence for similar players at age 34 NatsJim. Lots and lots.

Fine, prove it. Give me your best example of a 33-year old who hit 33+ HR and 100+ RBI and then fell apart the following season without suffering a major injury. I will allow that the possibility of getting injured is there, but we're talking strictly performance here so I want to see all this empirical data where MVP caliber 33-year olds suddenly can't hit as a 34-year old.

Secret wasian man said...

If only we got a half a run everytime FP says, "even though thats an out he hit it hard." PPPPPlease.

Unknown said...

Jim, I saw every game. It was def a great year...but I don't believe it will be duplicated. At some point every great athlete hits the spot in their career where there's a dramatic decline.

peric said...



That's easy NatsJim I'll start with the most familiar. And? There's plenty more. Prolly articles by Fangraphs on the topic.

Fine, prove it. Give me your best example of a 33-year old who hit 33+ HR and 100+ RBI and then fell apart the following season without suffering a major injury.

Frank Howard age 33: 15 doubles, 1 triple, 44 home runs. .283/.416/.962 132 walks.

Frank Howard age 34: 25 doubles, 2 triples, 26 home runs. .279/.367/.840
77 walks.

By age 35 he was basically done.

NatsJim said...

Scott, I don't believe he'll duplicate 33/100, but I do think he'll put up a career average .270/25/80 season and play a gold glove first base again. There's always the risk of injury, but that's true for everyone - ask 25-year old Wilson Ramos.

Rabbit34 said...

I don't believe Peric.

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